Bangladesh women will surely want to forget their catastrophic batting display in their previous game against West Indies when they face England in their second match of the Women’s World Twenty20 at the Sylhet International Stadium this afternoon at 3.30pm.
After being beaten by West Indies in their opening game, today’s tie will be an even tougher test for the home side against one of the favorites of the tournament who is ranked second in women’s cricket behind Australia only. Bangladesh have never met England in their 19 previous T20 internationals which means the two sides will be facing each other for the first time today.
The support from the home crowd will be there but the thing to worry most for Bangladesh women’s team is their feeble batting display in the last game and maybe that was the reason why they came to the practice ground a bit early in the morning yesterday to put their batting hitches in order.
“We have never played against them (England). We have only watched their bowling and fielding in their practice session and that is the only idea we have about them. Hopefully we will play good cricket tomorrow (Friday),” said Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun who also added how they are practicing hard to improve batting. “We are working hard to improve our batting. We are batting against spin and pace and the batsmen are practicing very hard.”
On the other hand, England returned to winning ways by beating India in theirprevious match after being defeatedby West Indies in the opener. Bangladesh’s strength restson their spinnersheavily but England vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarah Taylor says she has no problem facing spinners, “I enjoy playing against spin. Obviously the wickets turn a bit more.”
“There is going to be a lot of new things to learn while playing against Bangladesh. They’ve been absolutely brilliant with the game here. The women are coming through. It’s going to be a big crowd here, obviously supporting Bangladesh. Hopefully there will be a few for us. It’ll be a good game I’m sure.”
